Recovery Operations Set to Commence in Italy for Lynch’s Yacht Following Tragic Sinking

By Wladimir Pantaleone and Giselda Vagnoni

PORTICELLO, Italy, May 8 (Reuters) – In a dramatic turn of events, the recovery operation for British tech mogul Mike Lynch’s superyacht is set to kick off in the next couple of weeks.this effort aims to uncover the mystery behind how a vessel that was deemed unsinkable vanished beneath the waves last August.

The 56-metre-long Bayesian, boasting an notable single 72-meter mast, was anchored near Porticello when it likely encountered a fierce downburst—a powerful downward wind—early on August 19. Within just 16 minutes, the yacht capsized and sank from its stern, tragically claiming seven lives, including Lynch and his daughter Hannah. The wreck now rests on its side at a depth of about 49 meters. Fortunately, six other passengers—including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares—and nine crew members managed to survive.

This incident has garnered global attention due to Lynch’s reputation as “The Bill Gates of Britain.” Moreover, it has left marine experts scratching their heads. built in 2008 by Perini Navi and currently owned by Italian Sea Group TISGR.MI., this hefty yacht should have weathered such conditions without sinking so rapidly.

PREPARATIONS FOR RECOVERY

Italian authorities are probing into potential manslaughter charges against the yacht’s captain and two crew members. Their investigation won’t wrap up until after the vessel is raised for inspection.On Wednesday in Porticello, lawyers representing all parties involved met with technical advisors to oversee salvage efforts.

Mario Bellavista, attorney for Recaldo Thomas’s family—the onboard cook who perished—stated that while lifting the yacht may not be pivotal for investigations, it holds significance nonetheless. he mentioned that crucial data from onboard systems like video cameras and navigation tools will be shared with legal teams come June.The consortium tasked with salvaging Bayesian includes UK-based TMC Marine alongside Dutch firms HEBO Maritiemservice and Smit Salvage; they plan to cut down the mast before attempting to raise her from her watery grave. “If weather conditions cooperate,” TMC marine noted in their statement Thursday, “we expect this process could take around ten to twelve days.”

Preparatory work is already underway using a floating platform measuring over 700 square meters while an underwater robot inspects Bayesian’s condition—particularly concerning its tanks filled with approximately 18 tons of diesel fuel.HUMAN MISTAKES OR DESIGN FLAWS?

Giovanni Costantino—the CEO of Italian Sea Group—has attributed this disaster primarily to what he described as “unimaginable errors” made by crew members rather than any flaws in design or construction itself. He remarked that despite seeming impractical circumstances aboard that night led directly to water ingress; investigators will determine how exactly it happened.

According to documents reviewed by Reuters regarding ongoing investigations: matthew Griffiths—the night watchman—is suspected of missing critical changes in weather patterns while Timothy Parker Eaton allegedly failed timely detection of water intake at the rear end of the boat. Both men reportedly did not alert Captain James Cutfield promptly enough about these issues or adequately inform passengers about impending danger.

As for those accused? They’ve remained silent publicly regarding these allegations thus far.

interestingly enough—a nearby yacht managed just fine during this stormy episode! Karsten Borner captained that vessel; he recounted witnessing Bayesian flip over before disappearing within moments into deep waters.

(Reporting by Waldimir Pantaleone in Porticello; additional reporting by Giselda Vagnoni in Rome; editing by Alvise Armellini & Keith Weir)

(c) Copyright thomson Reuters 2025

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